The Rolex Submariner reference 1680 was the beginning of an era, as it was the first of the Submariner family to include the date, and the first of Rolex's diving watches to be encased in yellow gold. Earlier models with the diver’s extension on the bracelet were stamped “PAT. PEND”, as found on this example.

The present example in yellow gold features a so-called “ghost” bezel and "tropical" cognac-colored dial. This terminology often used by collectors refers to the color of a material that over time morphed into a different color than it originally intended to be. This watch features a brown dial that was once blue with applied yellow gold luminous hour markers and gilt writing. The “ghost” bezel that is currently a light shade of grey was in fact once also blue.

Not often seen in yellow gold, this watch was well preserved by the owner and remains in excellent overall condition. The beautiful way in which this watch aged is sure to amaze all vintage Rolex collectors alike.